Description
Monster Cookies are a delightful hybrid of all your favorite treats combined into one indulgent cookie. Packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful candies, these cookies are chewy, rich, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply as a snack to brighten your day.
What makes Monster Cookies truly special is their versatility. You can easily customize them with your favorite add-ins, such as nuts, dried fruits, or even butterscotch chips, making each batch unique. Their soft and chewy texture with a slight crunch from candies and nuts makes them universally loved by both kids and adults.
Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for fun, Monster Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 4 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini M&M candies
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., pecans, walnuts)
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional, for extra texture)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the Add-Ins:
- Gently stir in the chocolate chips, M&M candies, and any other optional mix-ins (nuts, dried fruit, etc.).
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop 2–3 tablespoons of dough (or use a cookie scoop) and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Slightly flatten each dough ball with your palm or the back of a spoon.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Texture Tips:
- For extra chewy cookies, do not overbake. The centers should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.
- If you prefer crunchier cookies, bake for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Customization Ideas:
- Swap out M&M candies for Reese’s Pieces for a peanut butter overload.
- Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle warm spice flavor.
- Include 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist in the dough.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- For gluten-free cookies, ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Substitute almond or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter to make them nut-free (adjust sweetness if needed).
- Replace regular M&Ms with dark chocolate or allergen-free alternatives for a healthier option.
- Dough Tips:
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft; this helps prevent spreading during baking.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, lightly grease your hands or the cookie scoop with oil.
- Freezing:
- Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
- Baked cookies also freeze well—just thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying.
- Serving Ideas:
- Pair with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or coffee for the ultimate treat.
- Crumble over ice cream or yogurt for a fun dessert topping.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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